Toonz Media Group and Tunche Films Partner for Picture

Peruvian animation studio Tunche Films has joined global animation major Toonz Media Group to co-produce a female-oriented animated feature, “Kayara,” through Toonz’ Spanish group company, Fortoon Island. The CGI film set in the backdrop of the Inca civilization comes close on the heels of Tunche’s “Ainbo – Spirit of the Amazon,” also a female-led adventure.   

“Kayara” follows the story of a young Inca woman who aspires to join the Chasqui Messengers – an elite, male-only league of official messengers in the Incan Empire. In her quest to be the first female Chasqui Messenger, Kayara courageously overcomes arduous obstacles, while also discovering the ancient stories of her land and her people. 

“It is, indeed, a privilege for Toonz to partner with Tunche Films for this very ambitious project which has its roots firmly placed in ancient, indigenous wisdom and modern, progressive values at the same time,” says  P. Jayakumar, chief executive officer, Toonz. “Apart from bringing on screen a strong female character, ‘Kayara’ also provides us the unique opportunity to collaborate in a truly international project that brings together teams from diverse cultures across the world.”  

“After the positive experience of working with Toonz on animated feature, The Canterville Ghost, and the good collaboration we’ve had with Tunche Films on Ainbo, we are delighted to have brought these two exceptional teams together for an exciting new production,” says Edward Noeltner, president, Cinema Management Group.  

“’Kayara’ is the story of a heroine who changed the role of women in many ways,” says Carlos Biern, president, animation production and co-production, Toonz Media Group. “Her epic journey follows situations and characters that can be easily identified by today’s audience, even though the story is set 500 years ago. We are very honored to bring it to life in our Spanish-speaking animation industry, together with the award-winning Tunche studio.” 

CMG has pre-sold “Kayara” to 15 international distributors including Le Pacte (France), WW Entertainment (Benelux), Praesens (Switzerland), Front Row (Middle East), Rialto Distribution (Australia/New Zealand) and CDC (Latin America), among others. The CGI feature with a wide four-quadrant appeal for family audiences is set to release in 2024.